Practicable Meaning
/ˈpɹæktɪkəbəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjCapable of being accomplished; feasible.
adjServing a useful function; useful, functional or handy.
Sentence Examples
The new plan was accounted practicable.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The plan to dig a tunnel through the mountain was not ____ because the rock was too hard.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The engineer confirmed that the design was technically ____ and could be built within budget.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin prācticābilis, partly modelled on Middle French praticable. By surface analysis, practice (verb) + -able.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Those who have concerned themselves exclusively with what seemed practicable in the existing state of opinion have constantly found that even this has rapidly become politically impossible as the result of changes in a public opinion which they have done nothing to guide."
— 1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 433:
"The law in most states says that cyclists must ride as far to the right as is practicable."
— 1986, Fred Matheny, Solo Cycling: How to Train and Race Bicycle Time Trials, page 136:
"This sober and unflinching analysis should be read and reckoned with by anyone concerned with practicable change in the long-suffering region."
— 2010 September 13, Publishers Weekly, Gaza in Crisis: Reflections on Israel's War Against the Palestinians:
"“The player should usually be able to play more quickly than that and is encouraged to do so,” the guidelines state, with golfers that exceed 40 seconds – AKA “bad time” – “informed as soon as practicable” by a tournament official."
— 2023 May 4, Jack Bantock, “Tee-k Tock: The ‘appalling’ slow play controversy riling golf’s biggest stars”, in CNN:
"Monday’s executive order called on the secretary of state and director of the Office of Management and Budget to pause funding “with all practicable speed.”"
— 2025 January 21, Christian Edwards, “What is the World Health Organization and why does Trump want to leave it?”, in CNN:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The plan to dig a tunnel through the mountain was not ____ because the rock was too hard.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The engineer confirmed that the design was technically ____ and could be built within budget.